Boston, MA – July 2, 2010 – On Monday June 14, 2010 the nonprofit Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) held its 2010 Annual Meeting. CISCRP Board Chairman Ken Getz and President & CEO Diane Simmons recognized Quintiles as one of this year’s award recipients for “Supporting the Development of Educational Materials.”
Over the past year, Quintiles demonstrated its commitment to CISCRP’s mission and enabled the nonprofit to educate and inform the public and patients as well as medical/research professionals about the volunteers who give the “gift of participation” in clinical research studies. Quintiles’ support went to both a public education program and a professional education program.
The public program, known as AWARE for All-Clinical Research Education Day, was conducted in September 2009 for the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill community. The culmination of a 4-month education and outreach process, this AWARE event provided free educational workshops and health screenings, an information alley/exhibit area, and breakout sessions that examined the state of clinical research and what is happening now. The program touched more than 25,000 households in this community with educational brochures, active contact with over 30 community partners, and the education of a distinguished honorary committee made up of politicians and local leaders. Grassroots community outreach through local churches, community and health centers, and other venues brought AWARE’s message directly to the public and patients.
The professional education program supported by Quintiles, “Voices of Medical Heroes: A Family’s Journey of Hope,” was held at the Washington Convention Center for close to 600 medical/research professionals on June 14, 2010. It featured John Crowley whose story inspired the movie Extraordinary Measures. Mr. Crowley’s children suffer from Pompe Disease, a rare neuromuscular disorder. During his presentation, John told the story of how he and his family navigated the challenging clinical trial process. “The time it takes for individuals to become qualified for studies and for studies to advance through the system is brutally difficult” for patients and their families, said John. But the fact that his two children are alive today is testament to the power of clinical research and their father’s unwavering dedication. John’s children continue to receive the enzyme therapy every other week; both depend on wheelchairs and ventilators and need full-time nurses. For John, that means the search for a better treatment continues. “Research is hope,” he said, and hope does not stand still. Accepting the award for supporting both these educational programs on behalf of Quintiles was Jim Kremidas, Vice President and Global Head of Patient Recruitment.
About Quintiles
Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company offering clinical, commercial, consulting and capital solutions worldwide. The Quintiles network of more than 20,000 engaged professionals in 60 countries works with an unwavering commitment to patients, safety and ethics. Quintiles helps biopharmaceutical companies navigate risk and seize opportunities in an environment where change is constant. For more information, please visit www.quintiles.com.
About CISCRP
The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation is a 501(c) (3) independent nonprofit located in Boston, Mass. CISCRP is dedicated to educating and informing the public, patients, medical/research professionals, the media and policymakers about clinical research participation and the role that each party plays in the process. CISCRP’s staff and board of advisors have highly diverse backgrounds – from the clinical research, healthcare and advocacy communities. CISCRP’s funding comes from a wide variety of sources including individual donors, government and research institutions, foundations and corporations. CISCRP is not involved in recruiting patients for clinical trials or conducting clinical trials. For more information, visit www.ciscrp.org.